PODCAST · business
Team Lead Talks
by Andrew Becker
Real estate entrepreneur Andrew Becker and his guests break down the systems, strategies, and real-world lessons shaping today’s real estate industry. The Team Lead Talks Podcast consistently ranks on the Apple Podcasts Top 100 Business Podcasts worldwide and brings real conversations with operators, founders, and industry leaders about scaling businesses, increasing profit, navigating market shifts, and building lasting impact. Straight talk. Actionable strategies. No noise.
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Tracey Cothran: Why Smart Brokerages Are Outsourcing Compliance Instead of Hiring
Many brokerages hire in-house compliance staff as they grow. Tracey Cothran believes there's a more efficient way to protect your business while reducing overhead.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Tracey Cothran, co-owner of Texas Real Estate Compliance Brokers, to discuss why outsourced compliance is becoming a smarter operational strategy, how experienced compliance brokers help reduce risk, and why protecting agents, brokers, buyers, and sellers starts with getting the details right.In this episode:• Why outsourcing compliance can cost less than building an internal team• The compliance mistakes that can lead to costly legal and regulatory issues• How experienced brokers catch contract errors before they become bigger problems• Why AI still can't replace real-world compliance expertiseAbout Our Guest:Tracey Cothran is the Co-Owner of TCB-TX Real Estate Compliance and one of Texas's leading experts in real estate compliance, contract management, and brokerage operations. With an extensive background as a licensed real estate broker, branch manager, VP, assistant team lead, compliance specialist, settlement specialist, and real estate agent, Tracey has built a career around helping brokerages navigate the complex regulatory side of residential and commercial real estate. Her expertise allows firms to streamline compliance processes while staying focused on growth.Through TCB-TX Real Estate Compliance, Tracey and her team provide compliance management, settlement services, CDA/DA services, and consulting for brokerages across Texas. Known for their integrity, accuracy, and deep understanding of Texas real estate regulations, they have earned a reputation as one of the state's premier compliance teams. Tracey brings valuable insights into the systems, decision-making, and operational excellence required to keep real estate businesses compliant, efficient, and positioned for long-term success.
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Jarrod Frankum: How Creative Offers Help Investors Win More Real Estate Deals
Most investors compete by offering the highest cash price or walking away from difficult deals. Jarrod Frankum takes a different approach by creating flexible solutions that help sellers while uncovering opportunities others miss.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Jarrod Frankum of Electrum Properties to discuss creative real estate investing, problem-solving for homeowners, AI-powered sales coaching, and the systems behind a growing acquisitions business.In this episode:How menu offers create more opportunities than a single cash offerWhy integrity and transparency are competitive advantagesLessons from building a real estate business with creative deal structuresHow AI identifies coaching opportunities across every sales callAbout Our Guest:Jarrod Frankum is a real estate investor, licensed Realtor, and founder of Electrum, a family-run real estate company dedicated to helping Texas homeowners sell their properties quickly and with minimal stress. Based in Lubbock, Jarrod has spent more than five years working with homeowners facing challenging situations such as foreclosure, inherited properties, major repairs, and job relocations. As a Texas Tech graduate and lifelong Texan, he combines deep local market knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach to real estate.Alongside his wife, Laura, Jarrod has helped hundreds of sellers across Texas navigate complex real estate decisions with honesty, transparency, and respect. His expertise in real estate investing, off-market acquisitions, and homeowner solutions gives him a unique perspective on today's housing market, making him a trusted resource for homeowners and investors alike. Whether discussing local market trends or creative ways to solve difficult real estate challenges, Jarrod brings real-world experience and a community-first mindset to every conversation.
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Steven Howell: The Real Estate Data Strategy That Finds Better Deals Faster
Many real estate investors spend thousands of dollars on marketing without realizing the biggest problem isn't their budget—it's their data.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Steven Howell, Head of Partnerships at DealMachine, to discuss list stacking, niche lead generation, probate investing, and how better data helps investors close more deals while reducing wasted marketing efforts.In this episode:* Why list stacking helps investors identify higher-quality opportunities* How niche lead sources like probate can outperform broad marketing campaigns* The connection between better data, stronger conversion rates, and lower acquisition costs* Why refining your lead lists can improve team morale and reduce burnoutAbout Our Guest:Steven Howell is the Head of New Partnerships at DealMachine and a 15-year real estate investing veteran with extensive experience in wholesaling, acquisitions, and direct-to-seller marketing. After spending more than a decade building expertise through cold calling, direct mail, lead generation, and off-market deal analysis, Steven now helps real estate investors leverage technology to streamline their businesses and uncover more opportunities. His unique combination of hands-on investing experience and deep industry knowledge makes him a trusted voice in today's real estate landscape.At DealMachine, Steven works with investors across the country to bridge the gap between proven acquisition strategies and modern technology. His expertise in off-market lead generation, wholesaling, and real estate investment systems provides valuable insights for investors looking to scale efficiently while staying focused on the fundamentals that consistently produce results.
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Jason Waller: Why Selling Mexico Means Selling a Lifestyle Not a Property
Most real estate companies focus on selling homes. Jason Waller focuses on selling the experience that comes with them.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Jason Waller of Christie’s International Real Estate Mexico Luxury Properties to discuss luxury real estate, expansion, branding, AI, and how destination markets require a completely different approach to attracting buyers.In this episode:• Why Mexico's lifestyle is often the real product being sold• The systems behind expanding into multiple high-growth markets• How Christie’s branding helped strengthen trust with international buyers• Why speed-to-lead and AI are becoming competitive advantages in real estateAbout Our Guest:Jason Waller is the CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Mexico Luxury Properties and a leading expert in luxury real estate and investment opportunities across Mexico. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, Jason relocated to Playa del Carmen in 2005 and has spent nearly 21 years building a reputation as a trusted advisor to international buyers seeking premium properties, boutique hotels, and high-performing real estate investments throughout the Riviera Maya and beyond.Through Christie’s International Real Estate and a network of complementary companies he has built alongside his partner, Leah Campbell, Jason provides a seamless investment experience for foreign buyers, combining property sourcing, investment advisory, legal support, and escrow services. His expertise spans major markets including Cancún, Tulum, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City, where he has structured and negotiated multi-million-dollar transactions ranging from luxury residences to off-market hospitality deals. Known for his transparent, data-driven approach, Jason helps investors confidently navigate the Mexican real estate market while identifying opportunities that align with both lifestyle and long-term wealth-building goals.
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Andrew Engel: He Cut His Lead Volume by 90% and Closed More Deals
Many real estate investors cast the widest net possible, hoping more leads will create more deals. Andrew Engel found the opposite was true.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Andrew Engel of Fast Selling Solutions to discuss niche real estate investing, distressed property acquisitions, and why becoming an expert in specific seller situations can outperform broad marketing campaigns.In this episode:• Why probate and foreclosure became his highest-performing lead sources• The costly impact of chasing unqualified seller leads• How investors can position themselves as problem solvers instead of buyers• The systems behind a lean acquisitions business operating across WisconsinAbout Our Guest:Andrew is a full-time real estate investor based in Wisconsin who has built a highly efficient investment business by focusing on targeted lead generation and niche market opportunities. Through strategic marketing to specialized lists, he acquires wholesale deals, fix-and-flip projects, and rental properties while operating with a lean, scalable team.As the founder of FreshPickedLeads, Andrew created a unique real estate lead generation platform that gathers every divorce, eviction, foreclosure, and probate case filing across Wisconsin on a daily basis. His data-driven approach has helped investors uncover motivated seller opportunities before they reach broader markets. A husband and father of three, Andrew successfully transitioned from a traditional career into real estate investing, doubling his former W-2 income within two years of leaving his job. His experience offers valuable insights into lead generation, real estate marketing, business efficiency, and building long-term wealth through real estate investing.
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Charles Rossano: Why Co-Living Is Creating a New Path to Passive Income
Many investors focus on multifamily, short-term rentals, and traditional buy-and-hold strategies. Charles Rossano believes one of the biggest opportunities in real estate is hiding in plain sight.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Charles Rossano, co-founder of Cohaven Capital, to discuss co-living real estate, affordable housing, passive investing, and the systems that helped scale a portfolio of more than 260 units across multiple markets.In this episode:• How co-living creates affordability while improving property performance• The $50,000 mistake that reshaped their acquisition process• Why systems and SOPs became critical to scaling beyond a few properties• How Cohaven Capital combines social impact with investment returnsAbout our guest:Charles is a co-architect of the Impact Co-Living model and a driving force behind CoHaven Capital. Together with Anthony Free, he developed the vision of combining high-yield co-living with government-backed revenue and nonprofit partnerships, creating an entirely new category in real estate investing. Under their leadership, CoHaven has scaled to approximately 240 units across multiple markets with over 90% occupancy.
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Marcus Crigler: The Financial Mistakes Quietly Costing Real Estate Entrepreneurs Millions
Many real estate entrepreneurs work hard to build profitable businesses but never develop the financial systems needed to protect and compound their success.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Marcus Crigler, CEO of BEC CFO, to discuss how tax planning, cash flow forecasting, and financial visibility help real estate operators make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.In this episode:• The difference between being a dealmaker and building a real business• Why entity structure impacts taxes, liability, and future growth• The cash flow framework Marcus recommends for entrepreneurs• How financial data can improve business decisions and profitabilityAbout Our Guest:Marcus Crigler is the founder of BEC CFO, a specialized advisory firm that helps real estate investors and entrepreneurs build wealth through proactive tax planning and strategic financial management. Rather than simply filing tax returns or recording transactions, Marcus focuses on forward-looking strategies that help clients keep more of what they earn and make smarter business decisions. His expertise includes entity structuring, cost segregation studies, 1031 exchanges, QBI optimization, S-Corporation elections, and comprehensive tax planning designed to create long-term financial advantages for real estate businesses.Based in Ozark, Missouri, Marcus founded BEC CFO in 2020 with a mission to help real estate entrepreneurs grow and scale with greater confidence and clarity. His career began in the real estate accounting world, performing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit audits and preparing related tax returns, where he discovered his passion for helping business owners use financial strategy as a tool for growth. Known for his coaching mindset and analytical approach, Marcus excels at solving complex financial challenges while helping clients build stronger businesses, increase profitability, and make more informed decisions for the future.
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Nick Belardo: He Turned Agent Retention Into Compass’s Competitive Advantage
Recruiting agents is only half the challenge. Keeping great agents engaged, supported, and growing is where many brokerages struggle.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Nick Belardo, Director of Operations at Compass, to discuss the intersection of marketing, operations, retention, and technology. Nick shares how Compass approaches agent experience, why human connection still matters in an AI-driven world, and what leaders often overlook when building long-term loyalty.In this episode:• Why agent retention starts long before someone considers leaving• The balance between technology, automation, and personal service• How marketing supports business growth beyond lead generation• The leadership mindset required to build lasting relationshipsAbout Our Guest:Nick Belardo is an operational leader, marketing strategist, and real estate executive with more than 15 years of experience spanning corporate hospitality, luxury brands, and real estate. As a leader within one of Compass’s largest markets across Southern California, San Diego, and Hawaii, Nick oversees large-scale operations and high-performing teams, helping drive growth, customer experience, and business performance. His expertise centers on business strategy, leadership development, marketing alignment, and using data-driven insights to strengthen customer loyalty and organizational success.Nick’s career path is anything but conventional. From working as a Justin Bieber impersonator to leading teams of more than 200 real estate professionals, his journey has shaped a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Known for guiding organizations through periods of rapid expansion, product launches, and major market transitions, Nick combines strategic thinking with a people-first approach. As he prepares to begin his MBA at Boston University and launch a new podcast focused on leadership, mindset, and living an integrated life, he continues to inspire others to maximize their potential both professionally and personally.
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Julie Longtin: The Hiring Mistake That Cost Me More Than Any Market Shift
Most real estate professionals focus on lead generation, sales, and market conditions. Julie Longtin learned that some of the most expensive business mistakes happen after the deal is closed.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with broker owner, consultant, instructor, and developer Julie Longtin to discuss the lessons learned from 35 years in real estate, why systems matter more than hustle, and the hiring mistakes that can quietly limit business growth.In this episode:• Why poor hiring decisions cost more than market downturns• The systems she wishes she had built earlier in her career• How she scaled across residential, commercial, development, and leadership• The operational mistakes that prevent businesses from growing without the ownerAbout Our Guest:Julie is a veteran real estate broker-owner, instructor, and author with more than 30 years of experience across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. With a background that includes brokerage leadership, real estate education, appraisal, and property development, she has built a reputation as a trusted expert who understands every facet of the industry. Her specialties include highest and best use analysis, new construction development, design strategy, and helping clients identify opportunities that maximize long-term value.Recognized as a Top 10 Residential Broker with RE/MAX and a Top 10 Commercial Broker, Julie has been nationally published for her expertise in real estate, investing, and market trends. Her insights have appeared in major outlets including Money Magazine, CNN Money, and Providence Business News. Known for staying ahead of industry shifts, Julie continues to lead the way through innovative technology initiatives, construction projects, and forward-thinking approaches to real estate growth and development.
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Courtney Poulos: Why Visibility Is Becoming Real Estate’s Biggest Competitive Advantage
Most agents focus on lead sources, commission splits, and technology. Courtney Poulos believes the real challenge is visibility.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with the founder of ACME Real Estate to discuss brokerage leadership, agent retention, team culture, and why visibility is becoming one of the most important competitive advantages in real estate. Courtney shares lessons learned from building a boutique brokerage, managing market shifts, and helping agents navigate a rapidly changing industry.In this episode:• The leadership mistakes that cost her top-performing agents• Why accountability and recognition matter more than most leaders realize• How visibility is changing the future of real estate marketing• Why agents should focus on relationships instead of chasing brokeragesAbout Our Guest:Courtney founded ACME in 2011 in Los Angeles as a boutique, design-savvy brokerage focused on residential sales, investor renovation-resale strategy, and marketing that treats every listing like a brand launch. Under her leadership, ACME grew from a solo practice into a multi-agent firm spanning Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Central Florida, with a reputation for setting records in LA's east-side and westside luxury markets.In April 2026, Courtney announced a strategic partnership with SERHANT., joining as a founding member of the firm's California expansion . In her own words, "The future is about visibility. We are in the NFL of real estate in Los Angeles, with some of the most expensive properties in the world." The ACME x SERHANT. team combines ACME's design and marketing DNA with SERHANT.'s national platform, media engine, and luxury footprint.Beyond her brokerage, Courtney is the author of Break Up! With Your Rental: The Professional Woman's Guide to Building Wealth Through Real Estate, host of The Clean Close podcast, and graduates Class of '26 at the Harvard Graduate School of Design Advanced Management Development Program (AMDP). She previously hosted FYI Network's My City's Just Not That Into Me and is a frequent speaker on luxury real estate, brokerage innovation, and women building wealth through property.
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Keith Hinton: From 90-Hour Weeks to Building Four Real Estate Companies
Keith Hinton did not enter real estate with a safety net. He started with no income, a growing family, and a mortgage on the horizon. Through relentless prospecting, consistent follow-up, and a willingness to outwork the competition, he sold 52 homes in his first year and eventually built four real estate companies.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Keith to discuss his journey from sales professional to brokerage owner, why accountability matters more than motivation, and how he's helping agents build sustainable businesses through a unique partnership platform.In this episode:• How Keith sold 52 homes in his first year without a team• Why he left traditional brokerage to build four Keller Williams companies• The systems and training that help agents grow faster• How his agent partnership model differs from a traditional teamAbout Our Guest:Keith Hinton’s real estate journey started with high stakes from day one. Originally from Michigan, he entered the industry in 2006 with a two-year-old daughter at home, a wife eight months pregnant with their second child, and no backup income. Through persistence, relationship building, and relentless work ethic, he launched his career by closing 52 homes in his very first year — setting the foundation for nearly two decades in the real estate industry.Over the last 19 years, Keith has sold hundreds of homes, led multiple real estate businesses, and built deep expertise across residential real estate, brokerage leadership, mortgage partnerships, and title operations. As the former Operating Principal of four Keller Williams franchises, he has coached real estate team owners, scaled businesses, and developed a firsthand understanding of what it takes to build sustainable growth. His experience spans far beyond sales, giving listeners practical insight into leadership, team building, and long-term success in real estate.
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Joe and Jenn Delle Fave: How They Turned Sellers Into Partners Instead of Chasing Bank Loans
Most investors are taught to rely on banks to grow their portfolio. Joe and Jenn Delle Fave took a different path.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with the founders of Creative Finance Playbook to discuss how they built a real estate portfolio without traditional financing, how seller financing opened the door to more opportunities, and why creative deal structuring can help investors solve more seller problems while creating long-term freedom.In this episode:• How Joe and Jenn started investing without relying on banks• Why seller financing became a game-changing strategy• How creative finance helps investors solve more seller situations• The system they teach investors to acquire properties nationwideAbout Our Guest:Jenn and Joe Delle Fave are creative finance experts, real estate investors, and mentors who built a multi-million-dollar portfolio without relying on traditional banks, big down payments, or perfect credit. After years of balancing demanding careers, raising a family, and navigating the limitations of traditional financing, they shifted from conventional rentals to creative real estate strategies that allowed them to scale faster, create freedom, and build a business on their own terms.Today, Jenn and Joe specialize in creative finance, rent-to-own investing, seller financing, and off-market deal strategies, helping everyday people learn how to buy property using no-bank investing methods. Their journey—from teacher and car dealership manager to full-time investors—has made them passionate advocates for financial freedom, mindset, and building wealth through systems that work in the real world. Together, they now teach others how to structure win-win deals, grow real estate portfolios, and create more time, location, and financial freedom for their families.
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Jeremy Martin: He Built a Top Real Estate Team Working Nights and Weekends
Jeremy Martin did not start in real estate full-time. He built his business between long workdays, overtime shifts, and raising five kids while figuring out how to create consistent production without shortcuts.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Jeremy to discuss scaling from solo production into team ownership, building accountability systems, and creating growth paths for agents who want more than transactions.In this episode:• The prospecting habits that created early momentum• Why lead distribution should be earned, not given• How to create accountability without sacrificing culture• The team model behind stronger agent retention and performanceAbout Our Guest:Jeremy Martin is a real estate operator, team leader, and growth-focused leader at Omada Real Estate, where he’s built a reputation around accountability, execution, and developing high-performing agents. With deep experience in agent development, lead conversion, and business systems, Jeremy focuses on creating scalable processes that help teams produce consistent results—not just short-term wins. His approach is practical and field-tested, centered on what actually works in today’s real estate environment.A top-performing agent year after year—even while working part-time—Jeremy ranked among the Top 500 Realtors in Utah for multiple years before stepping out of production to focus on leadership and team building. Today, he leads a high-performance real estate team known for strong productivity, sustainable business growth, and creating opportunities for agents to thrive. Outside of real estate, Jeremy is a dedicated family man and is currently developing an AI-powered coaching system designed to improve call performance and help teams scale more effectively.
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Jason Cheperdak: How a Billion-Dollar Team Built Systems Agents Never Leave
Building a high-performing real estate team isn’t about adding more agents. It’s about building systems that make growth sustainable. Jason Cheperdak shares how his team scaled through operations, support, and relentless focus on metrics.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with the founder of Shepherd Homes Group to discuss team building, scaling production, and why most operators underestimate infrastructure.In this episode:• How Jason structured a team averaging over $15M per agent• The support systems that drive higher production• Why data tracking is a competitive advantage• The marketing strategy behind a $600M production goalAbout Our Guest:Jason is the visionary founder of Shepherd Homes Group, the #1 real estate team in the DMV and a trusted leader in residential real estate, military relocation, and real estate investing. Recognized as Northern Virginia’s top agent for homes sold for the past three years and the DMV’s #1 Military Realtor for six consecutive years, Jason has built a reputation for market expertise, relentless service, and client-first guidance.After a disappointing home-buying experience of his own, Jason founded Shepherd Homes Group to create the kind of real estate experience families deserve—one built on protection, trust, and long-term strategy. Today, his team of 70+ agents and support staff offers full-service real estate solutions across the DMV, including property management, private financing, renovations, new construction, and wealth-building guidance through real estate.
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Jake Clark: Why Commercial Real Estate Rewards Specialists and Punishes Generalists
Commercial real estate is not a business where generalists win.In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Jake Clark, commercial real estate advisor at SVN Accel, to break down why specialization, relationship building, and long-term consistency matter more than quick wins. Jake shares how he transitioned from private equity into brokerage, why multifamily remains his focus, and what new agents misunderstand about building traction in commercial real estate.In this episode:• Why specialists outperform generalists in commercial real estate• How Jake built a multifamily niche in the Nashville market• Why relationship-driven brokerage wins over transactional selling• The prospecting habits that create long-term deal flowAbout Our Guest:Jake is a commercial real estate advisor and multifamily investment specialist focused on helping clients navigate opportunities across Middle Tennessee’s evolving property market. After earning a Finance degree from the University of Dayton where he also competed as a collegiate hockey player, he moved to Nashville and quickly launched a career that combined commercial real estate private equity with brokerage. Early on, he played a role in sourcing and closing nearly $50 million in acquisitions before transitioning full-time into brokerage in 2023.Today, Jake specializes in multifamily real estate, mixed-use properties, and off-market investment opportunities, with more than $21 million closed in his first two years of brokerage and over $25 million in total deal volume since making the transition. Known for his market expertise in Franklin and Middle Tennessee, he approaches every client relationship with authenticity, discipline, and a long-term mindset shaped by faith, fitness, and a commitment to continuous growth both personally and professionally.
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Daniel Gandee: Why Most Real Estate Teams Never Scale Past 100 Deals
Most real estate teams never fail because of sales. They fail because they never build systems that can scale. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Daniel Gandee, co-founder and principal broker of the Operative Group, to break down the marketing systems, lead tracking processes, and operational discipline behind one of Oregon’s top-performing real estate teams.In this episode:• Why most real estate teams stall before reaching 100 deals• How Daniel tracks lead sources, conversions, and agent productivity• Why marketing matters more than sales for long-term growth• The team structure that helped scale to 200 projected transactionsAbout Our Guest:Dan is a team leader, principal broker, and real estate investor with more than 15 years of experience across brokerage operations, IDX website technology, online lead generation, and design/build construction. As the leader of a Top 10 real estate team in Oregon, he has built a reputation for helping agents scale through social media marketing, YouTube for real estate, and modern digital lead generation strategies. Today, he leads a 20+ agent real estate team in Eugene, Oregon that produces more than $50 million in annual transactions.Known for combining real estate sales expertise with scalable marketing systems, Dan has coached hundreds of agents across the U.S. on growing their businesses and building stronger online visibility. He is a 3X “ELITE” Agent with Real Brokerage, was ranked the #6 Large Real Estate Team in Oregon by RealTrends and The Wall Street Journal, and has sold more than $100 million in investment property as a featured agent with BiggerPockets. He also serves as Board President of the Lane County Rental Owners Association.
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The SEO Strategy That Made Derek Carlson a Top 1% Realtor
Before paid ads took over real estate marketing, Derek Carlson built one of the most effective SEO-driven lead generation systems in Southwest Florida. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with the founder of MVP Realty and Realty ONE Group MVP to discuss how niche neighborhood content created predictable lead flow, how Derek scaled a top brokerage through training and recruiting, and why adversity forced him to completely reinvent his business and life.In this episode:• How Derek leveraged long-tail SEO before most agents understood it• Why inbound internet leads changed the trajectory of his career• How recruiting and agent training fueled brokerage growth• The mindset shift that followed health scares and industry lawsuitsAbout Our Guest:Derek Carlson is the CEO and Broker of Realty ONE Group MVP and a nationally recognized leader in the real estate industry. Over the past decade, he has helped build and scale multiple real estate companies supporting more than 1,300 Realtors and facilitating over 50,000 closed properties totaling more than $16 billion in sales volume. Under his leadership, Realty ONE Group MVP earned a national ranking of #86 out of more than 106,000 real estate offices, further establishing Derek as a respected voice in real estate leadership, business growth, and agent development.Beyond production and performance, Derek is deeply focused on mindset, vision, and purpose — helping entrepreneurs and real estate professionals unlock their full potential both personally and professionally. His experiences navigating business adversity, health challenges, and personal reinvention now fuel the message behind his upcoming book, “Unlock Your MVP.” A Lifetime Achievement Recipient and RISMedia ICON Award winner, Derek continues to inspire others to build businesses that create lasting income, impact, and fulfillment.
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Jerome Hairston: How This Veteran Built an AI Relationship Engine for Real Estate
Jerome Hairston didn’t get into real estate to chase transactions. He built systems to create better relationships, faster analysis, and smarter decisions. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with the CEO of Harrison Investment Properties to break down how AI is changing real estate operations, why most investors are using it wrong, and how Jerome built a relationship-driven AI engine to support deal analysis, lead management, and long-term growth.In this episode:• How Jerome built an AI-powered relationship engine for real estate• Why AI should support operators instead of replacing people• How automated deal analysis is saving hours every week• Why authenticity still matters in an AI-driven business worldAbout Our Guest:Jerome Hairston is a veteran project manager, military engineer, and real estate strategist with more than 20 years of experience leading construction, infrastructure, and investment-focused projects. As the founder of Hairston Premier Ventures, LLC, doing business as Hairston Investment Properties, Jerome specializes in investor advisory, project oversight, and structured real estate solutions designed to help clients make smarter long-term decisions. His background in military leadership and engineering has shaped a disciplined, systems-based approach focused on execution, quality control, and operational efficiency.Throughout his career, Jerome has built a reputation for combining strategic thinking with a relationship-driven mindset. He brings practical insight into real estate investing, business operations, and wealth-building strategies while helping clients and partners navigate complex opportunities with clarity and confidence. His perspective on leadership, structure, and sustainable growth offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and operators looking to build businesses with purpose and long-term impact.
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Joan Brothers: Why High-End Real Estate Is Really a Global Relationship Business
High-end real estate is rarely just about one property or one market. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Joan Brothers, CEO, licensed broker, and owner of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate, to discuss how Manhattan real estate connects with global advisory, trusted local partnerships, and long-term client relationships.In this episode:• Why New York City attracts global real estate clients• How Joan advises clients across Manhattan and international markets• Why trusted local partners matter in global transactions• What high-end clients expect from a boutique real estate advisorAbout Our Guest:Joan Brothers is the Founder and CEO of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate (MBRE), a women-owned global real estate advisory firm headquartered in New York with a growing presence across the U.S., London, and the MENA region. With more than 25 years of experience, Joan is known for helping clients navigate complex real estate decisions across international markets, economic cycles, and cultural landscapes. Her work spans individuals, family offices, corporations, and government-linked clients seeking strategic guidance with a discreet, high-touch boutique approach.Under Joan’s leadership, Manhattan Boutique Real Estate has earned recognition including the Best of Manhattan Award and participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. She is also a co-author of the #1 Amazon Best Seller Women in Business – Leading the Way, highlighting leadership, entrepreneurship, and women in business. Beyond real estate, Joan actively supports international collaboration and development initiatives, including work connected to the United Nations hospitality and advisory community.
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Justin Erickson: How One Investor Built AI Tools to Replace Busywork in Real Estate
Most real estate operators are experimenting with AI. Justin Erickson is building systems that actually remove bottlenecks inside a real estate business. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with the founder of Local Homebuyers USA and PropTechUSA.ai to break down how AI automations, multi-model systems, and real-time seller communication tools are helping investors save time, improve transparency, and scale operations more efficiently.In this episode:• How Justin built AI tools to handle seller communication 24/7• Why multi-model AI systems create better business decisions• How investors can use AI for SEO, branding, and authority building• Why transparency is becoming a competitive advantage in real estateAbout Our Guest:Justin Erickson is the Founder and CEO of Local Home Buyers USA, a nationwide real estate investment company, and the creator of PropTechUSA.ai. A self-taught full-stack developer, Justin built his company’s technology infrastructure from the ground up, including custom CRMs, automated lead management systems, an SEO content engine, and an open-source property valuation engine designed to bring more transparency to real estate investing.His approach challenges the traditional wholesaling model by focusing on radical transparency, novation partnerships, and win-win outcomes for sellers. After publicly challenging Opendoor to explain its pricing algorithm, Justin reverse-engineered and open-sourced a competing valuation engine. Since launching in July 2025, his company has generated 300+ SEO articles and achieved 6x ROAS in its first six months, showing how AI tools, proptech, and real estate investing can work together to build smarter, more transparent businesses.
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Jen Way: Why Real Estate Scripts Are Killing Your Deals
Most real estate investors are taught to follow scripts. Jen Way believes that’s exactly why so many deals fall apart. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Jen Way of Sales the Jen Way to break down why rigid sales tactics destroy trust, how real conversations create stronger seller relationships, and why top closers focus on understanding people instead of controlling calls. Jen shares the mindset shifts, objection handling frameworks, and communication strategies that help investors convert more leads without sounding salesy.In this episode:• Why scripts often hurt real estate sales conversations• How asking better questions creates instant rapport• The four objections every investor must handle upfront• Why sellers care more about solutions than priceAbout Our Guest:Jen built her career closing real estate deals for over 20 years before realizing the biggest breakthroughs in sales had nothing to do with scripts or pressure tactics. Today, she is the creator of Sales the Jen Way, a sales coaching program focused on real conversations, leadership, trust-building, and helping people become genuinely better communicators. Her approach challenges traditional sales training by teaching structure and connection instead of memorized scripts that feel forced and inauthentic.Based on her homestead in Colorado, Jen draws powerful parallels between building a sustainable life and building sustainable sales success. Raising animals, growing food, and working the land reinforced her belief that shortcuts never create lasting results — whether in farming or in business. That philosophy now drives her coaching, where she helps sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and real estate teams create trust-based conversations that compound into long-term success, stronger relationships, and higher-performing businesses.
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Jay Conner: The Private Money System That Funds Deals Without Asking for Money
Most real estate investors think raising capital starts with pitching deals. Jay Conner built an entirely different system. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with the private money authority himself to break down how investors can attract funding without chasing banks, begging lenders, or asking for money. Jay shares the exact mindset, conversations, and systems that helped him raise over $2.1 million in private money after losing his line of credit during the 2009 financial crisis.In this episode:• The difference between private money and hard money lenders• Why pitching deals too early kills investor credibility• How Jay raised nearly $1 million from a single luncheon• The conversation framework that attracts private lenders naturallyAbout Our Guest:Jay Conner is a real estate investor, private money expert, and entrepreneur who has been investing in real estate since 2003. Early in his career, he relied on traditional bank financing to fund deals, but after years of dealing with large down payments, origination fees, and personal guarantees, he shifted toward creative financing strategies like subject-to deals and lease options. When the 2008 market crash caused banks to pull back lending, Jay completely reinvented how he funded real estate investments by developing his own system for raising private money.Over the years, Jay refined a repeatable approach that helped him raise millions of dollars for real estate deals without relying on traditional lenders. After securing his first $250,000 in private funding from a single conversation, he went on to raise more than $2 million in just a few months. Today, Jay is known for teaching real estate investors how to leverage private money, automation, and creative financing to build scalable businesses that generate long-term freedom and consistent 7-figure profits.
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Kevin Riggi: He Left a 17-Year Career to Bet Everything on Real Estate
Leaving a stable career after 17 years is a risk most people avoid. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Kevin Riggi of Fast Fwd Home Buyers to break down how he transitioned from corporate leadership at Wegmans into building a real estate investing business focused on wholesaling, creative finance, and investment opportunities across the Charlotte market. Kevin shares the lessons he learned inside a high-performing company, why mentorship accelerated his growth, and how understanding multiple exit strategies creates more profitable real estate deals.In this episode:• Why Kevin left a long-term corporate career to pursue real estate investing• How working inside an established wholesaling company accelerated his growth• Why wholesalers need multiple exit strategies to maximize opportunities• How listening to sellers creates better deals and stronger businessesAbout Our Guest:Kevin Riggi is a real estate investor and wholesaling entrepreneur who transitioned from a 15-year corporate career into full-time real estate investing. Originally from Niagara Falls, Kevin relocated to Baltimore in 2013 before later moving to Charlotte in 2024. After years of climbing the corporate ladder at Wegmans, he made the difficult decision in 2021 to leave the security of his job behind and fully commit to building a real estate business — a major leap of faith for both him and his family.Today, Kevin owns real estate companies operating in Maryland and North Carolina, primarily focused on wholesaling and investment opportunities. With more than 300 real estate transactions completed, he brings practical experience from nearly every side of the business, including acquisitions, operations, negotiations, and scaling systems. His story offers valuable insight into entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and building a successful real estate investing business from the ground up.
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77
Nikki Merkerson: Why More Buyers Are Teaming Up to Buy Real Estate
Buying a home today is harder than ever, especially in high-cost markets like New York and the Bay Area. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with real estate matchmaker and PairGap founder Nikki Merkerson to break down why more buyers are partnering together to afford real estate and how co-buying could reshape the future of homeownership. From financial compatibility to real estate “prenups,” Nikki explains the systems helping buyers safely invest together in today’s market.In this episode:• Why co-buying is becoming more common in expensive markets• How PairGap matches compatible real estate buyers• The risks buyers need to address before purchasing together• Why financial compatibility matters more than ever in real estateAbout Our Guest:Nikki Merkerson is a real estate matchmaker, shared housing specialist, investor, and developer focused on making homeownership more accessible through smarter real estate partnerships. She is the founder and CEO of Pairgap, an AI-powered real estate co-buying platform that connects compatible buyers who want to pool resources and co-invest in property. Through psychology-based matching, financial planning tools, and legal frameworks, Pairgap helps friends, family members, partners, and even strangers approach joint homeownership with more clarity and confidence.Before launching her entrepreneurial work full-time, Nikki spent nearly 25 years in mortgage banking, financial services, and community development, including 23 years in financial services and roles as a Community Reinvestment Officer at JPMorgan Chase and a Loan Officer. She is also the author of Pair'd: A Dating Guide to Real Estate Partnerships, where she continues her mission of helping more people build wealth through shared ownership and smart real estate investing.
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76
Cody Hofhine: Why Most Real Estate Investors Never Buy Back Their Time
Most real estate investors get trapped building a business that depends entirely on them. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Cody Hofhine to break down why so many entrepreneurs never truly buy back their time, even after making money in real estate. From building a wholesaling business to coaching thousands of investors nationwide, Cody shares the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and personal development strategies that helped him transition from operator to business owner.In this episode:• How Cody made his first $24,000 wholesale deal in 29 days• Why mentorship accelerated his growth in real estate• The leadership mistakes that kept him stuck early on• How buying back your time creates long-term freedomAbout Our Guest:Cody Hofhine is a real estate entrepreneur, wholesaling expert, and business coach known for helping others unlock growth through mindset and personal development. After starting in construction and building an insurance business from the ground up, Cody faced early financial struggles that pushed him to rethink his approach to success. Discovering real estate wholesaling became a turning point, leading him to scale multiple ventures and ultimately build eight multi-million-dollar businesses over the past 15 years.Today, Cody focuses on mentoring entrepreneurs and business owners to break through self-imposed limits and create lasting success. Rooted in the belief that internal mastery drives external results, his work blends real estate investing, leadership development, and high-performance habits. Through his coaching and teachings, Cody empowers others to build businesses—and lives—by design, grounded in discipline, growth, and purpose.
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75
Brad Chandler: The Real Reason Most Real Estate Entrepreneurs Burn Out
Building a successful real estate business often comes with a cost most people never talk about. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Brad Chandler, founder of Express Homebuyers, to break down the mindset, pressure, and personal struggles that can quietly destroy high-performing entrepreneurs. Brad shares how he scaled a 5,000-deal real estate company while battling internal issues that eventually forced him to rethink success, leadership, and fulfillment.In this episode:• How Brad Chandler built Express Homebuyers into a 5,000-deal operation• The persistence and lead generation systems behind long-term growth• Why many real estate entrepreneurs experience burnout after financial success• How unresolved personal issues impact business performance and relationshipsAbout Our Guest:Brad Chandler is a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Express Homebuyers. Since launching the company in 2002, he has bought and sold over 5,000 homes nationwide, building a reputation for scaling a high-volume real estate investing business with consistency and long-term vision. His journey into real estate started early, sparked by a book in 9th grade and a conversation with a local investor that ultimately set his career in motion.In recent years, Brad has shifted his focus beyond real estate into personal transformation and mindset work. After a major life change in 2021, he founded LimitlessYou, where he helps entrepreneurs and executives identify and overcome self-limiting beliefs that hold them back from true fulfillment. Today, he combines real estate experience with mindset coaching, sharing insights on achieving both financial success and lasting happiness in business and life.
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74
Richie Hanna: Why Most Realtors Fail at Cold Calling
Cold calling is still one of the most effective lead generation strategies in real estate, but most agents quit before the process starts producing results. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Richie Hanna, also known as “Real Estate Richie,” to break down the systems, mindset, and follow up process that helped him build a listing-focused real estate business through outbound prospecting. From tracking conversion numbers to using dialer software and data filtering, Richie explains what separates consistent agents from everyone else.In this episode:• Why most agents give up on cold calling too early• How Richie uses Mojo dialer to create daily conversations• The role consistency plays in building a listing pipeline• Why tracking numbers improves prospecting performanceAbout Our Guest:Richie Hanna, known as “Real Estate Richie,” is a Northern Virginia real estate professional serving buyers and sellers across the DMV. With roots in Vienna, VA and more than two decades of sales and customer service experience, Richie brings a deep understanding of local neighborhoods, schools, commutes, amenities, and the real-world factors that shape confident real estate decisions.His team has served over 300 families, earned 200+ five-star reviews, and been recognized as a top 1% real estate team in the DMV. Having personally navigated market cycles, refinances, and housing challenges, Richie offers more than transaction support. He brings transparent communication, strong negotiation skills, and a client-first approach built on trust, consistency, and results.
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73
Paul and Tanice Myers: How This Couple Built a Real Estate Machine That Runs Across States
Building a real estate investing business across multiple states requires more than deal flow. It requires systems, lead generation, and a clear process for making decisions at scale. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Paul and Tanice Myers to break down how they’ve built a multi-state real estate operation through consistent marketing, structured acquisition, and a strong franchise-backed model.In this episode:• How a franchise model creates consistent lead flow across markets• The role of centralized marketing in scaling acquisitions• How they evaluate deals and decide whether to buy or walk away• Why community and shared resources accelerate growthAbout Our Guest:Paul and Tanice Myers are the founders of Road Warrior Investors, a multi-state real estate investing company built on experience, adaptability, and a people-first approach. With over two decades in the industry, they’ve grown from a single rental property to a diversified portfolio that spans wholesale deals, off-market acquisitions, fix-and-flip projects, and both short-term and long-term rentals. Their work in real estate investing, portfolio growth, and distressed property solutions has positioned them as trusted operators in an ever-evolving market.Beyond the numbers, Paul and Tanice are known for helping homeowners navigate complex transitions while creating opportunities for agents, contractors, and local communities. As HomeVestors franchise owners and coaches, they also focus on mentoring investors and building scalable systems for long-term success. Featured in outlets like the Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, they bring a grounded, real-world perspective on building wealth through real estate, balancing business growth with lifestyle freedom, and staying resilient across changing market cycles.
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72
Rome Gregorio: The Playbook for Running a Tech Driven Brokerage
Running a real estate brokerage today requires more than office space and traditional systems. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Rome Gregorio to break down how a tech-driven brokerage model is reshaping agent performance, cost structure, and scalability.From eliminating brick-and-mortar overhead to building real-time collaboration through virtual environments, this conversation focuses on how modern brokerages can operate more efficiently while improving agent support and engagement.In this episode:• How removing office overhead changes brokerage profitability• The structure behind virtual offices and real-time agent support• Why “life circles” improve training and collaboration• How technology replaces outdated brokerage systemsAbout Our Guest:Rome Gregorio is the Co-Founder and CEO of Popby Realty™ and a seasoned Texas real estate broker with more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, land, and development transactions. A U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and business strategist, Rome has held executive leadership roles including Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions for Keller Williams, bringing a deep understanding of brokerage growth, leadership, and agent development.Today, Rome is focused on building a modern, technology-driven brokerage model that blends real estate technology, community, and agent empowerment to help professionals grow in a changing market. He is also an instructor with Champions School of Real Estate and a national speaker on leadership, AI, and the future of real estate. Beyond brokerage, Rome is an international franchisor and founder of Camille’s Ice Cream, with developments across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
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71
Josh Ries: Why Most Agents Stay Broke Even With High Volume
Most real estate agents focus on volume, but very few understand what actually drives profit. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Josh Ries to break down the numbers behind a sustainable real estate business. From cost per lead to lifetime value, this conversation focuses on the metrics that determine whether your business is actually making money.In this episode:• Why high volume doesn’t guarantee profitability• The three KPIs that control your real estate business• How to calculate cost per lead and cost per closing• Why most agents mismanage their marketing and follow upAbout Our Guest:Josh Ries is the Managing Broker for South Dakota at My Real Estate Company and a nationally recognized expert in real estate lead generation systems. He helps brokerages and teams build predictable pipelines through modern marketing, consistent follow-up, and smart database strategy. Known for simplifying what actually drives closings, Josh focuses on practical systems that improve both efficiency and profitability in today’s competitive real estate landscape.As a national speaker, consultant, and contributor to Inman News with dozens of published articles, Josh reaches a wide audience with content that generates millions of monthly views. His perspective is grounded in real-world experience, emphasizing leadership, clear expectations, and strong communication. He believes the best results come from creating a process that feels organized, calm, and fully supported, both for agents and the clients they serve.
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70
Logan Freeman: From 265 Cold Calls a Day to $1B in Real Estate Volume
Real estate investing, commercial real estate, and syndication are often viewed as advanced strategies, but this episode breaks down how one operator built toward them from the ground up. Logan Freeman shares how early sales discipline, consistent execution, and strategic transitions allowed him to move from high-volume cold calling into nearly $1B in real estate transactions.In this episode:• How making 265 cold calls a day built foundational sales discipline• The first deal that shifted his mindset from income to equity• Transitioning from single family into multifamily and commercial assets• How syndication creates access to larger real estate opportunitiesAbout Our Guest:Logan Freeman is a commercial real estate expert with over seven years of experience, having led more than $350 million in transactions across land development, multifamily, retail, and industrial assets. As a LinkedIn Top Voice with a growing audience of over 30,000 followers, he’s become a trusted voice in the industry, known for blending data-driven strategy with forward-thinking insights.At the forefront of AI in commercial real estate, Logan leverages a proprietary dataset alongside the 18.6-year real estate cycle to help investors and operators anticipate market shifts and “remember the future.” His work focuses on identifying opportunities before they become obvious, giving clients a strategic edge in an evolving market. Driven by innovation and value creation, Logan brings a unique perspective on how technology, timing, and market cycles intersect to shape the next generation of commercial real estate investing.
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69
Sam Primm: Why Doing More Deals Is Not the Real Way to Scale
In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Sam Primm to break down why scaling in real estate is not about doing more deals, but building systems that remove you from the day-to-day. From starting as a side hustle investor to running a business that handles hundreds of transactions annually, Sam shares how structure, delegation, and consistent execution drive long-term growth in a real estate business.In this episode:• Why doing more deals can actually slow down your growth• How systems and delegation create real scalability• The transition from operator to business owner in real estate• What it takes to build a business that runs without youAbout Our Guest:Sam is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and founder of FasterFreedom, known for helping everyday people transition out of traditional jobs and into financial independence through real estate investing. After starting in a demanding corporate career in St. Louis, he made the shift into real estate, where early failures eventually turned into a proven system for consistent success.Today, Sam owns over $50 million in real estate assets, has built a portfolio of 150+ single-family rentals, and has flipped and wholesaled more than 2,000 properties—all without using his own money. Through his property management company and education platform, he teaches strategies rooted in real-time experience, not theory. With a growing audience of over 3.7 million followers, Sam shares practical insights on scaling a real estate business, creative financing, and building long-term wealth. At his core, he’s driven by one mission: helping others create the same time freedom and lifestyle he’s built for his family.
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68
Amanda Webster: The Playbook That Turns Relationships Into Revenue
In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Amanda Webster of Results Driven REI to break down how real estate operators can use relationships as a scalable growth strategy. Instead of relying on more deals or more hours, Amanda explains how partnerships, systems, and community-driven models create consistent revenue opportunities in a real estate business.In this episode:• How to identify gaps in your business and fill them with strategic partners• The role of relationships in scaling beyond capacity limits• How to build partnerships that actually produce revenue• Why most investors stall without systems and structured collaborationAbout Our Guest:Amanda Webster is a relationship-driven business growth strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs scale through trust, clarity, and connection. As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Results Driven REI, she brings a sharp understanding of strategic partnerships, operations, team dynamics, and business systems, helping organizations turn vision into traction and build for sustainable growth.Before joining Results Driven REI, Amanda served as COO at a national financial services firm, where she helped hundreds of entrepreneurs secure funding, create structure, and grow with confidence. She also brings valuable experience from the legal industry, with a background spanning regulatory, operational, and executive leadership roles. A proud military spouse and mother of five, Amanda is known for blending heart and hustle, pairing executive leadership with a people-first approach that makes her perspective especially valuable for business owners focused on scaling with trust, strategy, and strong relationships.
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67
Michael Mendoza: The System That Powers Large Scale Land Development
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Michael Mendoza, CEO of Apex Real Estate Contracting, to break down the system behind large scale land development and how operators can turn raw land into fully built, revenue-producing communities.With experience across projects exceeding $1.5B in value, Michael explains how development strategy, investor alignment, and execution frameworks come together to move deals from concept to completion.In this episode:• How to determine the highest and best use of land• The role of investor relations and capital structuring in development• What it takes to move a project from pre-development to vertical• How to build a scalable real estate development pipelineAbout Our Guest:Michael Mendoza is the Founder and Managing Director of APEX Real Estate Contracting, where he leads complex real estate projects across acquisition, development, and modernization. With a background in private equity–backed real estate platforms, he has overseen capital structuring, feasibility analysis, and investor-facing project execution nationwide. Michael has contributed to projects exceeding $1.5B in aggregate value across multifamily, senior housing, and mixed-use developments. A former U.S. Marine Corps officer, he brings a disciplined, execution-focused leadership style to every engagement. He holds an MBA in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship from the University of Colorado Boulder.
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66
How Martine Richardson Helps Investors Scale Without Using Their Own Capital
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Martine Richardson to break down how real estate investors can scale rental portfolios without relying on their own capital. From private money to deal structuring, Martine explains how investors can move beyond traditional bank financing and build equity faster through smarter acquisition strategies.In this episode:• Why saving for down payments slows portfolio growth• How private capital creates leverage for real estate investors• The role of deal structure in scaling rental properties• Why following a proven plan accelerates results
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65
Rich Robledo: Why Successful Agents Stop Doing Everything Themselves
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Rich Robledo of the Robledo Group in Las Vegas to break down why successful real estate agents stop doing everything themselves and how shifting into a structured team model creates scale, efficiency, and long-term growth.After more than two decades in real estate, Rich explains how redefining roles across marketing, transaction coordination, and operations allowed him to focus on lead generation, community presence, and higher-value activities that actually drive business.In this episode:• Why doing everything yourself limits real estate growth• How specialized roles improve efficiency and reduce stress• The structure behind a scalable real estate team• What delegation actually unlocks for team leadersAbout Our Guest:Rich Robledo is a Las Vegas real estate broker and the leader behind The Robledo Group, known for helping families and high-net-worth clients buy, sell, and relocate throughout the Las Vegas Valley. With more than 20 years of sales experience and deep local knowledge of communities like Summerlin, Rich has built his business around trust, integrity, transparency, and accountability, core values that shape both his client experience and his reputation in the market.Beyond real estate, Rich is a true community connector. He serves on the MLS Board for the Las Vegas Realtors Association and the Keystone Corporation, and has supported organizations including the Salvation Army, Las Vegas Rotary, Spread The Word Nevada, and Ronald McDonald House. As a dad, mentor, and businessman, Rich brings a grounded perspective on leadership, community growth, and what it really takes to build a lasting real estate business in Las Vegas.
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64
Terrence Nickelson: Why Your Real Estate Deals Keep Falling Through
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Terrence Nickelson, founder of Goby Homes, to break down why real estate deals fall through and how fragmented communication across agents, lenders, and clients creates costly breakdowns in the transaction process.In this episode:• Why poor communication causes deals to collapse before closing • How lack of alignment between parties creates delays and missed deadlines • The real cost of failed transactions for agents and clients • A better system for managing real estate deals from contract to close About Our Guest:Terrence Nickelson is the founder of Goby Homes, a licensed REALTOR® and self-taught software engineer with over a decade of experience at the intersection of real estate and technology. As a Techstars accelerator alum and TEDCO-backed founder, he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and industry insight, building solutions that modernize how real estate professionals operate and scale.Recognized as the 2025 NAR Innovator of the Year, alongside honors from the NFHA Innovation Impact Award and Inman Best of Proptech, Terrence has quickly become a leading voice in proptech innovation. His work focuses on leveraging software to solve real-world challenges in housing and real estate, making him a valuable perspective for agents, brokers, and team leaders looking to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven market.
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63
Michael Fichman: The Strategy Behind Higher Profit Deals With Fewer Closings
In this episode, Andrew sits down with Michael Fichman of CLT Buyers to break down how shifting from volume to deal quality transformed his real estate investing business. Instead of chasing more wholesale deals, Michael explains how focusing on higher-margin acquisitions, tighter underwriting, and inbound lead generation led to stronger profitability with fewer closings.In this episode:• Why low-margin wholesale deals create hidden risk• How stricter underwriting increases deal profitability• The shift from outbound to inbound lead generation• Building a lean real estate business with higher marginsAbout Our Guest:Michael Fichman is a Principal at CLT Buyers, where he focuses on asset management and operations within the real estate investment space. With over six years of hands-on experience, he brings a strong foundation in accounting, backed by a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Michael combines analytical precision with a people-first mindset, helping home sellers, investment buyers, and private capital partners navigate deals with clarity and confidence.Operating in the Charlotte, North Carolina market, Michael is part of one of the area’s top-performing real estate investment teams. He has played a key role in raising over $10 million in private capital while also hosting high-impact real estate networking and educational events that attract more than 200 attendees each month. Known for his focus on integrity, efficiency, and problem-solving, Michael offers a grounded, operational perspective on scaling real estate businesses and building strong investor relationships.
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62
Jeremy Davis: Why 90% of New Real Estate Investors Fail
Most new real estate investors struggle to build consistent deal flow, not because of a lack of effort, but because they focus on the wrong parts of the business. In this episode, Andrew sits down with Jeremy Davis to break down why new investors stall early—and what actually creates momentum in a real estate investing business.Jeremy shares how shifting from creative finance-first thinking to a cash flow-focused strategy changes everything. From marketing consistency to acquisition structure, this conversation highlights what separates operators who scale from those who stay stuck.In this episode:• Why starting with cash offers builds a stronger foundation• How inconsistent marketing slows down deal flow• The risk of focusing on creative finance too early• What creates real momentum in a real estate business#realestate #realestateinvesting #wholesaling #leadgeneration #realestatebusiness #salesprocessAbout Our Guest:Jeremy Davis is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and the founder of Investor Semester, a platform dedicated to helping new and aspiring investors break through analysis paralysis and close their first deal. Known for his no-BS, results-driven approach, Jeremy specializes in turning real estate education into real-world execution.With hands-on experience across wholesaling, fix-and-flips, and creative finance strategies like subject-to deals, wraps, and seller financing, Jeremy has built a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio backed by proven systems. His expertise lies in underwriting deals, building scalable acquisition pipelines, and mastering sales processes that convert leads into signed contracts.Beyond investing, Jeremy has grown a nationwide community of real estate investors through events and networking platforms that connect buyers, sellers, and operators. His training style is direct, practical, and focused on one outcome: helping investors go from “stuck” to confidently closing deals.If you're looking to learn real estate investing, wholesale real estate, creative financing, or how to build a scalable real estate business, Jeremy Davis brings the experience and systems to make it happen.
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61
The Playbook Behind Chris McGeady’s Sales Coaching Model
Chris McGeady, founder of Close Smarter Academy, breaks down the sales coaching playbook he uses to help real estate investors and agents improve conversion rates and close more deals consistently.After building his own real estate business from the ground up, starting with low-cost marketing like car magnets and driving for dollars, Chris shifted into coaching, helping operators identify missed opportunities inside their sales process and refine how they handle conversations, follow-up, and deal structure.In this episode:• How call reviews uncover missed deal opportunities• The difference between learning sales and being coached through it• Why experienced operators still struggle with conversions• How structured feedback improves close rates over timeAbout Our Guest:Chris McGeady is a sales coach and real estate professional with a hands-on background in wholesaling, acquisitions, and in-home sales. A former firefighter, Chris has closed deals across inbound, outbound, door-to-door, and in-person sales environments, giving him a practical, real-world perspective on what actually works in sales. Today, he works with real estate investors, contractors, agents, and business owners to improve their sales conversations and consistently close more deals.Chris is known for his straightforward approach to ethical selling—helping clients move away from scripts, pressure tactics, and gimmicks, and instead focus on clear communication and building long-term relationships. He is also the host of The Bored Room podcast, where he explores honest conversations around sales, real estate investing, and business growth, offering insights that resonate with both new and experienced professionals.
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60
Charlie Madison: Why Staying Top of Mind Matters More Than New Leads
Most real estate agents focus on lead generation, but overlook the database they’ve already built. In this episode, Andrew sits down with Charlie Madison to break down why staying top of mind with your existing contacts is more valuable than constantly chasing new leads, and how that shift changes your entire real estate business.Charlie shares how he transitioned from traditional prospecting methods like cold calling and door knocking to building a referral-based system rooted in relationships, consistency, and visibility. This conversation highlights how real estate professionals can create more predictable deal flow without burnout.In this episode:• Why most agents lose deals from their own network• The difference between being trusted and being remembered• How to stay visible without constant manual follow up• Why referrals outperform cold lead generation over timeAbout Our Guest:Charlie Madison is the founder of Referrals While You Sleep, where he helps business owners generate consistent, high-quality referrals without relying on constant marketing or long work hours. With a background in real estate, Charlie built the top team in his Keller Williams office before redesigning his business around relationship-driven growth, reducing his workload from 60 hours a week to roughly 10 while maintaining strong income.Known for his concept of “digital amnesia,” Charlie teaches entrepreneurs how to stay top-of-mind and become the obvious choice when clients are ready to buy. His approach focuses on referral-based marketing, client trust, and sustainable business systems that eliminate burnout. Today, he works with hundreds of clients to create predictable, pre-sold opportunities while prioritizing family, freedom, and a life built outside the business.
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59
How Rafael Cortez Built a Nationwide Wholesaling System
Rafael Cortez breaks down how he built a nationwide real estate wholesaling business by focusing on systems, processes, and execution. From early deal experience to structuring a scalable operation, this conversation highlights how serious investors can move beyond inconsistent results and build a more predictable business model.In this episode:• How systems and processes create consistency in wholesaling• The shift from hustling for deals to building an operation• How to structure deals with multiple exit strategies• Why coaching and mentorship accelerate growth in real estate
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58
Clifford Walker: From Truck Driver to $340K in Year One
Breaking into real estate investing can feel overwhelming without the right structure. In this episode, Clifford Walker explains how he went from driving trucks to building a real estate investing business through wholesaling, flipping, and rental acquisitions - all within his first year.Andrew and Clifford discuss the importance of coaching, building a clear roadmap, and focusing on execution over information. The conversation highlights how new investors can avoid common mistakes and move toward consistent deal flow by following a proven system.In this episode:• How a structured plan replaced trial and error• The impact of coaching on early investing results• Where new investors lose momentum in the first year• How to move from learning into actual deal execution
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57
Scott Snofke: Stop Sending Mail Without Tracking KPIs
Most real estate investors send direct mail without ever tracking what actually drives results. Without clear KPI tracking, it’s impossible to know which lists, messages, or campaigns are producing deals—and which ones are quietly draining your marketing budget.In this episode, Andrew sits down with Scott Snofke of REI Print Mail to break down how serious operators use data, direct mail, and KPI tracking to build a more predictable lead generation system. From list selection to call handling, this conversation focuses on the operational gaps that hold most investors back.In this episode:• Why tracking calls, appointments, and closes changes everything• How KPI data reveals what’s working and what’s not• The role of list quality and data sources in direct mail performance• Where most investors lose deals after the phone rings
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56
How Brittney Ezell Built a High Performance Real Estate Team
Real estate teams don’t grow by accident. They grow through leadership, accountability, and consistent execution.In this episode of Team Lead Talks, Brittney Ezell breaks down how she leads and develops agents inside a high-performance real estate environment. Drawing from her background in athletics and coaching, she explains how mindset, discipline, and daily activity drive long-term production.This conversation focuses on what it takes to build agents who perform consistently, not just occasionally.In this episode:• How leadership impacts agent performance and production• Why activity and discipline drive real estate results• The role of mindset in building a sustainable business• How to create consistency inside a real estate teamAbout Our Guest: Brittney Ezell is an executive leader, keynote speaker, and connector known for her work in leadership, team building, and inspiration. She is the CEO of Keller Williams Johnson City and EVP of E3, leading one of the top brokerages in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia by both production and agent count serving and impacting more people across the region.A former record-breaking college basketball coach and a two-sport athlete at the University of Alabama, Brittney brings a unique perspective to business through her “Athleticized Leadership” approach blending competitive drive, discipline, and team dynamics into high-performance leadership.Her passion lies in developing people, building winning teams, and helping others reach their full potential both in business and in life.
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55
David Sugg: The Playbook Behind Furnished Rental Cash Flow
Real estate investors often rely on constant deal flow to generate income, but furnished rentals offer a different path - one focused on consistent cash flow and operational efficiency.In this episode of Team Lead Talks, David Sugg breaks down how he built a rental business centered on furnished units, including Airbnb and sober living housing. By focusing on a defined buy box, leveraging network-driven deal flow, and structuring properties for higher income use, he created a system that reduces reliance on active marketing.This conversation explores how investors can shift from chasing deals to building stable, cash-flowing rental operations.In this episode:• How furnished rentals create higher cash flow than traditional rentals• Using network relationships instead of active lead generation• Structuring properties for Airbnb and sober living use• Why focusing on a tight buy box improves long-term returns
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54
How Scott Farrow Built a High Volume Acquisitions Team
Real estate operator Scott Farrow explains how he built and manages a high-volume acquisitions team responsible for turning inbound leads into consistent real estate deals. In this episode, he breaks down the systems, team structure, and sales processes required to maintain a steady pipeline in a competitive investment market.In this episode:• How acquisition teams evaluate inbound real estate leads• Structuring a sales pipeline that converts opportunities into deals• The role of negotiation and deal analysis in acquisitions• Building systems that support consistent deal flowScott is a real estate investor in the Central California market. Scott operates as the Director of Acquisitions for Pinnacle Home Buyers, a team doing 100 fix-and-flips and wholesales each year. Scott also hosts the Pursuit of Property Podcast which focuses on learning how to invest in real estate.
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53
Jeremy Knauff: How Strategic PR Replaces Traditional Lead Generation
Real estate professionals often rely on outbound marketing, cold outreach, and constant follow-up to generate deals. But what happens when your reputation does the work for you?In this episode of Team Lead Talks, Jeremy Knauff breaks down how strategic public relations can replace traditional lead generation by building authority, trust, and inbound demand. By leveraging media exposure, real estate operators can position themselves as the expert—so clients come in pre-sold.Jeremy shares how PR creates third-party validation, why that matters in real estate, and how one piece of content can be repurposed into a scalable visibility system.In this episode:• How PR builds authority that attracts inbound real estate leads• Why third-party validation outperforms self-promotion• Turning media exposure into a repeatable content engine• How to reduce reliance on cold outreach and outbound marketingAbout Our Guest: Jeremy Knauff is a nationally recognized public relations expert who is regularly cited by the media for his expertise. He is the founder of Spartan Media, a PR firm focused on helping entrepreneurs become recognized authorities in their industries. Jeremy is also a best-selling author, an in-demand speaker, and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.He has been responsible for publicity on major initiatives, including the real estate reality TV show Funding Faceoff with Kevin Harrington and Lori Greymont, the Florida Department of Education’s financial literacy curriculum, and Johns Hopkins University’s master’s-level real estate program.Jeremy is also the author of The Become a Recognized Authority Checklist, a practical PR guide designed to help entrepreneurs get featured in the media and build credibility in their industry.
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52
Ben Nelson: The Playbook Behind Multifamily Syndication Deals
Multifamily investor Ben Nelson explains how syndication models allow operators to acquire apartment communities by partnering with groups of investors. In this conversation, he shares how Wild Oak Capital sources opportunities, structures ownership with investors, and focuses on workforce housing properties where operational improvements can create value.In this episode:• How operators source multifamily deals through broker relationships • Structuring investor ownership through real estate syndication • Why mid-sized apartment communities create operational opportunity • Lessons learned managing properties during shifting market conditions
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How Jesse Wright Built a Turnkey Rental Business
Real estate investor Jesse Wright explains how he built a turnkey rental operation in Jackson, Mississippi by sourcing undervalued properties, renovating them, and helping investors acquire cash-flowing rental homes. By combining local deal flow, construction management, and tenant placement, Jesse created a system that allows investors to enter the rental market without handling the day-to-day operations themselves.In this episode:• How turnkey rental properties are sourced and structured• The process of acquiring and renovating undervalued homes• How investors use cash-out refinancing to recycle capital• Why strong local networks drive consistent deal flowAbout Our Guest:Jesse Wright is a real estate investor and entrepreneur who turned a $10,000 first house into a rapidly scaling investment business. After purchasing his first property in 2013, Jesse took a leap of faith in 2018—leaving his W-2 job in Florida to move back to Mississippi and pursue real estate investing full-time.Today, Jesse acquires 10–20 properties every month, primarily using creative finance and other people’s money (OPM). While continuing to grow his own cash-flowing portfolio through the BRRRR strategy, he also helps passive investors build wealth by offering turnkey rental properties.His approach proves that you don’t always need your own capital to scale—his team recently purchased 20 houses in a single month without using a penny of their own money.Jesse focuses on building sustainable portfolios, leveraging smart financing strategies, and creating opportunities for investors to generate long-term passive income.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Real estate entrepreneur Andrew Becker and his guests break down the systems, strategies, and real-world lessons shaping today’s real estate industry. The Team Lead Talks Podcast consistently ranks on the Apple Podcasts Top 100 Business Podcasts worldwide and brings real conversations with operators, founders, and industry leaders about scaling businesses, increasing profit, navigating market shifts, and building lasting impact. Straight talk. Actionable strategies. No noise.
HOSTED BY
Andrew Becker
CATEGORIES
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